FEB 9 -- Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Field Division and R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced the conviction of Lance R. Umansky, for operating a MDMA "Ecstasy" laboratory from his Miami Beach apartment and possessing Ecstasy with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 856 and 841(a)(1). Umansky’s sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2007, Umansky faces a maximum statutory sentence of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. This arrest and conviction marks south Florida’s first Ecstasy laboratory bust.

The evidence at trial established that Umansky, a Florida International University graduate student studying biomedical engineering, had purchased, on the Internet, chemicals and equipment necessary to produce Ecstasy in his home. After executing a federal search warrant at his apartment, DEA agents discovered materials used to produce Ecstasy. Additionally, agents found Ecstasy in powder form, a scale and empty gel capsules.